Volleyball Fights On to Championship Appearance

The Alfred State volleyball team used a strong team performance as they defeated Finlandia (MI) 25-23. 33-31, 25-13 in the ACAA Tournament semifinals. The Pioneers advance to Sunday's championship match vs. SUNY Canton.

In the first set, Finlandia led 9-6 before Kiara Perkins (Coudersport, PA) went on a big service run. She led the team to a six straight points and a 12-9 lead. From that point on the Pioneers didn't give up the lead and took the first set 25-23.

The Lions fought right back in the second set and jumped out to a 7-2 lead. They led 11-5 before Alfred State rallied back to take a 14-12 lead. Finlandia led 20-16 and 23-19 before another rally. The game went back and forth the rest of the set until finally the Pioneers got two blocks by Shannon Dwyer (Cutchogue/Mattituck) to win the set 33-31.

In the third set, the Pioneers jumped out to an early 5-1 lead and never looked as they won the set 25-13 to seal the victory.

Bryanna Godfrey (Tioga) led the team with 19 kills and 12 digs while Perkins finished with nine kills, 10 digs, and three aces. Sarah Raichlin (Binghamton/Chenango Valley) passed out 37 assists, Madison Webster (Corning) had 10 digs, and Dwyer collected four of the team 10 blocks on the day. As a team the Pioneers hit .292 on the day and served 10 aces.

Marina Dalton led the Lions with seven kills while Kaisa Holmstrom added six. Nichole Anderson passed out 20 assists and Shannon Anderson led the way with eight digs.

The Pioneers (12-16) will face the Kangaroos on Sunday at 11 a.m. for the ACAA title. Canton defeated Mills (CA) 25-10, 25-10, 25-14 in the other tournament semifinal. Alfred State and Canton met once in the regular season with the Roos earning the sweep.